Patriots Make Big QB Cut on Roster Deadline Day

The New England Patriots made several roster changes on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline as they work on getting down to 53 players.

As they work on trimming their training camp roster to the final 53, the Patriots made a big move at the quarterback spot, which should solidify the position group for the 2024 season.

According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, the Patriots waived quarterback Bailey Zappe. It was an expected move, given that New England signed Jacoby Brissett in free agency and took Drake Maye and Joe Milton III in the 2024 NFL Draft.

With those three new faces in New England, Zappe was the odd man out after starting the final six games last season. The 25-year-old quarterback was called upon multiple times to step in for then-starter Mac Jones.

The veteran quarterback completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Zappe didn’t put up impressive numbers, but it was enough to keep him on the roster throughout the offseason and training camp.

In the preseason, Zappe didn’t see many reps as the Patriots have two young quarterbacks they are trying to give work to. However, he was solid under center, completing 15-of-25 passes for 137 yards.

Based on his playing experience, the former Western Kentucky and Houston Christian standout should get another opportunity before Week 1. A lot of teams are still shuffling their rosters, but teams such as the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, and Tennessee Titans could use Zappe as their QB3.

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